Justified: Season 3

Great Tv show

1) Thanks to my AmazonPrime membership, my wife and I were able to revisit this top-tier production from Season One through the present season -- a very satisfactory "binge viewing" experience. It is noteworthy that the entire year's subscription for the AmazonPrime membership costs less than purchasing BluRay copies of these broadcast seasons; our selection of “free” movies and television series is much more generous than of up-graded AT&T Universe subscription; and our viewing experience has been much more convenient & enjoyable.2) More recently, we have been watching the original (BBC) version of "Downton Abbey" -- also, from season one of the acclaimed series.3) Our review of the "Justified" series includes:.....a) The series presents the life of a Deputy U.S. Marshall that is substantially more satisfying than that portrayed by James Arness as Marshall Dillon, decades ago, on the still classic "Gunsmoke" series......b) Marshall Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) upholds Justice with the same zeal as Marshall Dillon, and all shootings are "justified" (as the series title suggests); but this 21st century take on the Marshall's Service gives the audience a substantially deeper view into the hearts, motivations, and complex burdens experienced by Givens and his colleagues......c) The series gives viewers a unique view of the history, complex sociology, and an uncomfortable moral/ethical dissonance found within the economically depressed Appalachian communities that have been historically exploited and abandoned by the Coal Companies harvesting the rich natural resources of the mountains......d) The enduring strength of extended family groups shows how this natural social structure survived over many generations, valued familial relationships over most others, and served as a foundation for free enterprise and entrepreneurial innovation (notwithstanding the illegal and/or immoral qualities of much of this entrepreneurial activity.).....e) This series is also an interesting (and subtle) examination of stresses growing from Marshall Givens' own familial connection to outlaw family members; his early-life experiences as a coal miner (alongside a major antagonist); and his on-going personal struggle to resolve the conflicts between the demands of enforcing The Law and his obvious desire for an intact, traditional family -- with a home, wife, and children......f) A struggle similar to that experienced by Marshall Givens (see 3e, above) is experience by his nemesis (and occasional ally) Boyd Crowder. Crowder had worked in the mines with Givens (before Givens followed his Aunt's advice to "leave the hollow, and find a legitimate career"); and Crowder's conflict is between his own entrepreneurial gifts (employed outside of the law), and his compelling desire for an intact, traditional family -- with a home, wife, and children......g) Boyd Crowder's life is given an even more complex dimension because of his up-bringing by a Bible-thumping father (who was an outlaw); Boyd's personal conversion to faith in Jesus Christ and desire to pull-out of the lawless behaviors that led to a stretch in prison; the general reactions of his friends (and foes) questioning the possibility & legitimacy of his conversion; and his attraction to a good woman (who supported his efforts to reform his life) and whose love for Boyd eventually leads to the compromise her own values. There are occasional admissions of personal faith by many of the series' characters; yet the only "organized religion" is presented in the form of an itinerate, snake-handling, tent evangelist who seems sincerely concerned with preaching the Biblical Gospel, helping the community, and serving The Lord. Still, this type of church is a minority institution (even in the Appalachian Mountains), and the church-life experience of Bible-believing Christians -- from Maine to Texas to California -- is far less bizarre than that which is portrayed here......h) The dichotomy (and similarities) between the lives of Raylan and Boyd remain one of the interesting, albeit subtle, themes of this series. Both have similar and even intertwined family roots, both worked in the mines, and they saved each others' lives in the mines; but their point of departure seems to be that Raylan left his home for a new life, while Boyd remained with his family, his community, and the long-term economic exploitation and trauma experienced in the Appalachians.4) There is some nudity, much course language, and significant justified (and un-justified) violence. Overall, I find this to be a much more substantive, redeeming, and qualitative program than the vast majority available on over-the-air broadcast networks.5) A PERSONAL NOTE: I write this review from the perspective of a conservative, evangelical Christian – since 1973; and I have been an ordained Minister of the Gospel within a major, 13-million member, denomination since 1984. In addition to my ordination -- I hold a Bachelors Degree (BA) in Sociology; and a Master of Public Administration Degree (MPA), with concentrations in Management & Public Policy. These faith- and academic-backgrounds contribute to my review of this series.

My husband loves these series so I keep buying it for him. He’s happy with it.

A friend told me about this show, and I was quite dubious about watching a guy in a cowboy hat save the day. After watching the first episode of season one, I realized that I was dead wrong.Beyond the fact that Timothy Olyphant/Raylan Givens is both drop dead gorgeous and perfect for this show, Justified reveals a backstory and depth of other characters that is rarely found in episodic shows - or films. Although he is the star and hero in the show, Raylan is constantly in trouble and frequently gets his butt kicked in the process of trying to save the day - a process that humanizes him and makes the show appealing. How sick are we of the hero who constantly saves the day and without a hair out of place??You can't help but have a soft spot for bad guy Boyd Crowder, knowing that he saved Olyphant's life when they were young miners. Raylan returns the favor in season one by shooting Boyd just to the right of his heart rather than killing him, when a kill shot would have easily been justified. Boyd is a powerful figure who draws you into his various characters and endless evil plots that vary from season to season. He is a very bad guy who reveals moments of morality who you can't help but like, or at least respect, due to the never ending character development over seasons. The same thing is true for almost every other character in the show, with the exception of Raylan's ex-wife, Winona, and one of his partners, Rachel. For a character who holds such a pivotal role in Raylan's life, we know little about Winona, and as a result develop little empathy for her character. Rachel, one of Raylan's partners, is an African American woman working in a Southern town with a backstory that is alluded to but never developed. Again, she is in the show frequently enough that we should know more about her. Overall, the plot twists and turns from season to season keep me watching and thoroughly entertained. I discovered the show a few months ago and watched the episodes back to back over the course of a few weeks - a great way to see the show.I strongly suggest that you start watching the show from season one to understand the characters and the ongoing stories woven through seasons.

I live in Kentucky. In a very small and poor town just north east of Bowling Green... right at the edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. Now I have really enjoyed watching this series; most of it is pretty close to how things were a couple of decades back. The folks around these parts aren't quite as provincial as they are portrayed in the movie. We have WiFi, and smart phones (not the ancient razors that everybody seems to have in the series, 'flipping' them' open and shut) but I must say, the drugs and guns are pretty close to truth. The scenery ain't exactly right either, but it's close enough. Bowling Green is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA right now because of available property and scenic view. BUT, there is no one quite like Raylan Givens that I've ever met though. Timothy Oliphant plays that part waaaay to good. A man that can stand eye to eye and calmly tell someone to "you draw first, an I'll put ya down"...wow, that's SO COOL! And his dry wit just cracks me up! And my wife is shamefully in love with the man. I asked her if I should buy a hat, and she looks at me ...reeeeal funny like and says, "nah". WTH..!??? I was a bit offended. My favorite character is Boyd Crowder. He just seems like he would be fun to hang out with...um..without the gunplay though. I could do without that. I think this series is fantastically entertaining. I do get a kick out of hearing about places I have been and seen on the tube. The show is exciting, realistic, and there is some of the best acting on a television show (or anywhere else for that matter) going on right here on JUSTIFIED. If the action is close enough to real life here in Kentucky for me, it should be for you too. Watch this series. It's killer.

In Harlan County laconic Raylan Givens continues to enforce justice his unique way. He knows exactly what makes locals tick and gets on well with most of them, even the rogues. Any, though, who mistake his amiable words of warning for softness are in for a shock.Last season's major death has left a power vacuum amongst the criminal fraternity. Boyd understandably is eager to fill the gap, but Limehouse, owner of a bar (and slaughterhouse!), proves a formidable contender. Enter "Carpetbagger" Robert Quarls, down from the North to show the ignorant hillybillies who really is boss....Timothy Olyphant is perfect as the imperfect marshal, Walton Goggins so good as Boyd one longs for him to survive. (Scenes between the two remain a particular pleasure.) Neal McDononough chills as the blue eyed smiling newcomer, from the start determined no one will stand in his way.Drenched in atmosphere, whilst graced with fine scripts and top notch performances, the series goes from strength to strength. Season 3 does not disappoint, its 13 episodes full of double-crosses, bloody despatches and a dramatic climax.Bonuses include nine commentaries, a fascinating feature on how Limehouse's workplace was created, details of how a major stunt was staged. Be advised the interesting Disc 1 extra about the new season contains spoilers - it perhaps better saved for watching at the end of it all.In short - stylish, classy, and great.

I had to get this. Justified is my favourite series when I fancy a binge-watch . I love the way there are no absolute in this series. The heroes are fallible and often dishonest and the villains can be kind and sympathetic. The sporadic violence is shocking and unpredictable and the plotting is complex. The photography definitely owes a lot to the spaghetti western and the whole series could be seen as a modern day take on them too.The standard of acting is far better than in most television series and I really enjoy the humour that lightens the mood as well. If you enjoyed Deadwood you will love this.

The slick dialogue continues in this series. The repulsive villanous characters and the gentle humour that threads it's way though the episodes and the mesmerising performances of the lead characters, make this exceptional. It probably doesn't matter to most people, but worth pointing out, that there is very little bad language and I applaud the writiers for not taking the easy option of expletives everywhere. I started watching The Sopranoes but had to give up because of the excessive bad language that, for me, spoiled the quality of the shows. Justified's episodes are short and always leave me wanted to see more. Having just finished Season 3 - within half an hour, have ordered Season 4!

Picking up where season 2 left off with the death of Mags Bennett and everyone after her missing money including son Dickie and an exiled gangster from Detroit season 3 sees marshall Raylan Givens trying to stop the crime wave in Harlan County and constantly running into onetime childhood friend now adversary Boyd Crowder who is trying to control crime in the area and add in a mystery man called Limehouse and Raylan's father and everyone is coming after Raylan in season 3. Very underrated show with plenty of tension and humour as marshall Givens who acts like a 19th century cowboy in the present day brings his own style of justice. Very good cast but it's Timothy Olyphant as Raylan's show all the way.

Season 3 maybe isn't the best of the four seasons of this show (I think that's a toss up between 2 and 4) but being second best season on a show like this is no faint praise. We have all the usual gun slinging, whiskey drinking, southern cowboy antics of the whole cast, with a new villain and some old faces coming back. There's also quite a shocker in the last minutes of the finale episode.Over all, the box set was in good condition, had all 13 episodes and was everything I wanted. Can't wait to pick up the 4th season when it comes out.